Bordeaux (White)

Although most famous for its red wines, Bordeaux produces outstanding dry whites, the finest of which come from the Graves (Pessac-Léognan) and the Entre-Deux-Mers. Then of course there are the world's most famous sweet white wines from the adjoining appellations of Sauternes and Barsac, the king of which is Château d'Yquem and its wines of legendary longevity. Two grape varieties dominate both the dry and the sweet wines - Sauvignon and Semillon - both of which reach arguably their greatest potential in Bordeaux.

"The proprietors are extremely happy with what they were able to produce in 2000. Even though this vintage has a poor reputation, producers who only included the early-picked grapes in their final blends have often turned out nearly exceptional wines. Yields for the 2000 Climens were microscopic (four hectoliters per hectare) and the wine, although somewhat monolithic (I tasted it right after bottling), exhibits honeyed citrus, pineapple, and hints of pears, butter, and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied and elegant, with superb purity (a hallmark of this great estate), it should be at its finest between 2007-2020. 91" Robert Parker in The Wine Advocate #146

2003 Château Climens, 1er Cru Barsac Halves x 12

2008-2022

12 Halves

TBA

£414.00

Robert Parker scored this wine twice - 95-98 points in Wine Advocate #158; 97 in Wine Advocate #164. Neal Martin (90 points, Wine Advocate #207) doesn't agree. The reality is probably somewhere between the two - say 93-94 - as the wine is brilliant, though being 2003 is not in the classic, taught Climens style.

"Tasted as part of a vertical held at the chateau. The 1998 Guiraud does not possess the vigor of the 1997, but it has an attractive nose of melted candle wax, brown sugar and marmalade that blossoms in the glass. The palate is clean and pure on the entry with crisp acidity. It is a more feminine, lithe Sauternes compared to the 1997 with a pretty peach and dried apricot finish interlaced with spice. Fine. 90" Neal Martin on eRobertParker #207

Again, widely differing opinions. Parker gave the wine 89-93 in Wine Advocate #152 (but with the caveat that he tasted it only once, and that this was very early in its development), 92-95 in Wine Advocate #158 and 95 in Wine Advocate #164. Neal Martin, in Wine Advocate #207, gave the wine 90 points. He doesn't like its richness, describing it as "an unashamedly hedonistic Suduiraut." That about sums up the 2003s in Sauternes.